Bridle-bit



(No Model.)

A. P. RUHLOW. BRIDLE BIT.

No. 484,342. Patented 00t.- 11, 14892.

auguslF Buhlow.

ljzgaq UNITED STATES PATENT ()FFICE.

AUGUST F. RUHLOW, OF PIERCE, NEBRASKA.

BRlDLE-BIT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 484,342, dated October 11, 1892.

Application filed February 29. 1892. Serial No. 423,228. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, AUGUST F. RUHLOW, a citizen of the United States, residing at Pierce, in the county of Pierce and State of Nebraska, have invented a new and useful Bridle-Bit, of which the following is a specification.

. My invention relates to new and useful improvements in bridle-bits; and it consists in the construction and arrangement of parts, as will be hereinafter more fully described, and pointed out in the claims.

, The object of my invention is to construct a bridle-bit of two connected parts which is adapted to be used to gag a horse, and thereby render him manageable when he is vicious and attempts to run.

The advantage of my improved bit resides in its use either as a gagging-bit, or it may be employed as an ordinary bit for a gentle horse.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved bit shown arranged as an ordinary driving-bit. Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the bit arranged for gagging purposes. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the bit.

In the drawings, A A represent two semicircular metallic bars which form the bit-bar when bearing against each other, as shown in Fig. 1. These bars A are carried by arms B, which are hinged together by means of connecting-bars B having loops 0, having their ends extended and pivoted in slots 12, formed in opposingly-situated edges of said arms B and in rear of the said bars A, to thereby allow said bars A to be opened away from each other a greater extent. The loops 0 have the driving-rein attached thereto when the bit is used in ordinary form and as a driving-bit, and by this means the bars A are prevented from separating, and the bit of the bit are separated, and thereby gag the animal and render him manageable. The supplemental reins E, rings D, and chains or straps D may be used independently of any straps in connection with the loops 0, where the animal is vicious and unmanageable and it is desired to break him of bad habits. By this means a bit is provided that may be used for two purposes without requiring any great amount of manipulation to arrange the same for either purpose alone or unitedly when desired.

In a portion of the arms B are formed slots or openings B for the attachment of straps from the bridle.

The device is simple and strong in construction and arrangement, and its efficiency is readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that if found necessary and desirable a spring may be connected to each side of the bit to draw the bars firmly together and hold them in that position, except when the bridle-reins, which are attached to loops in which are fastened the ends of the chain, are pulled upon. The said construction is shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3 and designated by the letter E.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is 1. In a bridle-bit, the combination of arms each of which carries a portion of the bit-bar and having slots therein. and a hinge connection in rear of said bit-bar, consisting of connecting-bars having loops with the ends thereof extending into the slots of the arms and pivoted thereto, said loops being adapted to receive reins, substantially as described.

2. In a bridle-bit, the combination of arms each of which carries a portion of the bit-bar and having eyes at their ends, connectingbars having loops and pivotally connecting said arms in rear of said bit-bars, and chains or straps connected to the upper and lower portions of each arm in pairs and to a ring or eye, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

AUGUST F. RUHLOW'.

Witnesses:

WILT MOD ONALD, AUGUST SOENNE. 

